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Introduction to the Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Vocational Certificate (VC) Program

This program prepares students for entry-level employment in the HVAC industry. HVAC is an acronym that stands for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. The HVAC industry is made up of skilled professionals, known as HVAC technicians, who install and maintain HVAC systems found in residences, commercial buildings, office buildings, schools, hospitals, and retail establishments. Air quality, temperature control, humidity regulation, refrigeration, heating, and other aspects of climate control are all handled by the HVAC systems.

Both theory and hands-on application of skills are emphasized in this program which enables students to obtain Level 1 thru Level 4 NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) certification. The program also demonstrates elements such as planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, the underlying principles of technology, as well as, labor, health, safety, and environmental issues. Basic entry-level skills in math, reading, and language must be attained in order to complete this program.

Both full time (day) and part-time (night) programs are available. The full-time program is designed to take students one year to complete while the evening part-time program will take longer. Students wishing to enter this program of study should be advised by program personnel as to when introductory courses begin.

Is This For You?

Persons entering this career enjoy working with tools and are good at working with their hands. They have good spacial and form perception and organizational skills.

Beyond Graduation . . .

After completion of post-secondary programs, new technicians often need at least six months of experience before being considered competent. Graduates may start in entry-level jobs assisting more experienced technicians. Some graduates will advance to supervisor or service manager. Others may move into sales or marketing. Still, others may become building superintendents, cost estimators, or possibly even teachers. Those with sufficient funds and managerial skill may op

Related Career Opportunities

Primary Employers

Graduates from the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program will be employed as HVAC mechanics, installers, and technicians. Building equipment contractors are the largest employers. HVAC technicians also may be self-employed.

Occupations

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)Technicians Often specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair. They may also categorize specializations by heating, air-conditioning, or even refrigeration work. Some specialize in a particular brand or more specific types of systems such as heat pumps, solar and hydronic systems.

Installers Following blueprints and specifications, installers put in oil, gas, electric,solid-fuel,multiple-fuel, or other heating and air conditioning systems. They install fuel and water supply lines, air ducts and vents, pumps, and other components. They connect electrical wiring and check for proper operation.

Refrigeration MechanicsInstall, service, and repair refrigerating systems and equipment. They follow blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturers’ instructions. These mechanics connect equipment to ductwork, refrigerant lines, and electrical power source. After making the connections, they charge the system, check for proper operation, and program control systems.

Employment Trends

For more information regarding first-year earnings for degree completers and student debt accumulation download or view the Economic Security Report of Employment and Earning Outcomes Click Here, published by the Department of Economic Opportunity.

Pensacola State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and associate degrees and certificates. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation status of Pensacola State College or if there is evidence that appears to support Pensacola State College’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. -- Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information in its educational programs, activities, or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the College’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Executive Director of Institutional Diversity and Student Conduct at (850) 484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.